The price hikes of $500-$700 in less than two years definitely gives me pause. I got mine brand new for $1576 last year, which is a grand less than new today. Really struggling to find the value in products these days :|
I’ve had mine almost a year and I can’t believe where it’s at in my lineup for guitars I play the most. Me and my tele are inseparable, but this has quickly become one of my favorites. Such an amazing guitar 👍
I have 5 PRS guitars, 3 core, 1 SE, and a CE 24. Love them all, but truly my CE 24 is the most bullet proof, stay in tune, retain intonation, and feels the best in my hands - you know what I mean…it’s the best value PRS offers.
The CE line is a nice compromise to the core level. The electronics upgrade make it worth it over the s2 versions. The flame maple tops are significantly better than the s2 line. If you want core level tremolo order a MannMade USA tremolo…the guy that created the original PRS tremolo system. You’ll thank me later. But at this new price point the argument of no hard case gets harder to justify, especially when lower fender levels come with great hard cases. At the very least PRS could include the gig bag that comes with the silver sky. It’s better padded and more sturdy.
I think the price should reflect the lack of a hard case. At the same time, they take up so much room, whether in your house or filling a car or van while gigging. Not to mention that you have to carry it like a suit case, whereas a high quality gig bag, (which is what comes with some American PRS's), I can hang in the closet, and wear on my back, while still being able to hold other things in my hand. It's a trade-off. If you aren't abusive to your instrument, a good gig bag is effective. I think PRS is trying to give all the advantages of the guitar being made in their American factory, while cost cutting in areas that don't affect the playability of the guitar, like the bridge and tuners. The SE's are no slouch. You can always upgrade this later buying it used for much cheaper. I can imagine that there is so much cost with just running that business, between labor, tools, tool and building maintenance, rent, electricity, salaries for all employees, along with benefits, marketing, etc. I would be surprised if PRS is making $500-600 profit on a $2500 guitar.
I have a CE 24 now for 6 months. I LOVE this guitar, is so comfortable, and the pickups sounds amazing. I get that the tremolo and tuners as SE, but they work incredible, it stays in tune really good, and the american bridge only cost like $400, and i think about someday to make that upgrade that is not really necessary. But like you said, i bought mine at $1900, but at $2500 there's have to be an upgrade.
I just love that Dave's guitar shop sells them for 1400-1500 depending on the year. For me this guitar is absolutely unbeatable at that price. At 2500 we're looking right at used Core CU24s, and I'd be lying if I said I would consider the CE at that point but man, it's great.
I'm french . In 2008 I bought a 2003 PRS CE 24. It's been my unique gigging guitare since. I don't play metal . A large part of the songs I play are in clean sound. Only 20 percent are in overdrive. I'm quite satisfied with the neck width, thickness and profile. I like the jumbo frets, the pick ups. It doesn't need truss rod adjstement between summer and winter. The string length between Fender and Gibson is just fine for 10-46 strings. The nut never squeezes the strings. During my first set of songs in clean or slight crunch, I only use the neck humbucker and position 2. When I kick my overdrive pedal, the bridge humbucker and position 4 are excellent. The volume and tone pots are very sensitive and offer a broad variety of tones from 1 to 10. I would have prefered standard tuners instead of the weird PRS system, but they 're fine. The PRS rotating 5 positions switch requires a little time to get used to but never broke down. The Les Paul -like jack socket really pisses me off but has never made a noise in my amps.
I love the simplicity of the controls, the great build construction and the neck. Most comfortable neck i've ever played. But I agree that value for money is not there, that why I bought mine used.
I know a few shops, specifically a well known NY shop that could use these videos to teach their sales people. You gave more information then anyone will get in store. Great job Jim!
I just ordered one of these yesterday. Thanks for your videos that helped me with the research and make a decision. I think I’m getting the exact same one with the whale blue finish.
Man, why aren't you getting more comments on your posts!!?? One thing I really appreciate is that you know your stuff. For some reason, I just can't atune myself to PRS guitars, even though I know how good they are. Perhaps they're just not vintage enough for me, in looks at least. Keep you - a - goin' as we say round these parts. 😊😊
Fantastic video as ever and couldn’t agree more. I couldn’t bond with it and wouldn’t pay the new price, especially sans hard case but it’s a fantastic quality and extremely playable guitar that’s great if you need or want to play multiple things but don’t have or want multiple guitars - so basically wholeheartedly agree with your video and advice on how to get one!
i agree the coil split for PRS is one of the best. Fender Blacktop Strat or Tele is another good option. Its my Gibder or Fenson. The price is a steal. if i change to the rosewood neck still affordable.
I wish I never sold my '96 CE22 gold top... I cannot find anything similar in that price range anymore! Never had the coil-split though and I don't miss the rotary pickup selector. For some reason absolutely did not get on with my CE24... just didnt feel right :/
I really like the 24-08 mod, I find it's very useful to use when composing which isn't always the case with electrical alterations. You got the everything axe for sure there!
I have a mexi fender strat HSS, and I'm trying to get a LP counterpart. I'm finding these used 2022 for 1499 ish. I'm going to try to get one with a case out the door around 1600. Fingers crossed.
It’s really a awesome instrument. I been playing mine since 2019. I also play a Les Paul. Which I absolutely love. But when it comes down to the CE. ( classic electric ) the thin body shallow carved maple top. And the pattern thin neck profile. It takes you to other musical places. 👍✌️
That's part of why I love these guitars - they do take you to other places musically and the best part is anywhere it takes your creativity the guitar is versatile enough to do it convincingly
That's the fun part about them, they really do eliminate the need for other guitars in the long run. So yes, while expensive, if you purchase one of these used you could actually save compared to have 3-4 guitars that would do everything this can do, plus they are built to a very high standard on top!
Question for you man, does yours have any neck dive? I have the semi-hollow version and it has a slight amount. Not enough to be annoying, but enough to be noticed. It's still one of my favorite guitars though :)
Damn, wasn't aware these went up in price. That's kinda a shame to see. I almost wouldn't mind another one/a back up cuz I love mine so much. I guess pretty much everything has gone up tho. Mine unfortunately has a tiny chip on the finish but it's really not noticeable especially from a distance. I have a whale blue CE 24, it's basically the same color as his except slightly darker. It's honestly my prized possession. Highly recommend this as an alternative to the "core models"
I recently played one from the 90's, it felt much closer to a core than the current CEs, just pickup swap like you did and you're right there. AWESOME guitar
The price jump is kind of ridiculous: pre-covid they were around $1799 new and now they're $2499. Used they show up on reverb for $1499, but I can't find a used one in red because either they didn't make a lot or people just aren't selling them
Actually completely agree with this, and the $2499 is outrageous for a guitar that still has import components with no hard shell case. Just keep refreshing Daves Guitar Shop, I saw a red one last week at that price there.
I had a CE24 Se for a few months, and just couldn't bond with it, the pickups were not for me and the neck made my hand ache in the same way as Fender necks do. So it went, to be replaced with another Schecter, ohh the joys of a slim wide neck and far better value. PRS have joined the other top brands of increasing prices to the point that i refuse to pay them. There are plenty of excellent better value guitars to choose from.
Don’t have to watch the video (no offense), just buy one. It’s the best PRS value on the market. US made and finished, outstanding guitar and components. The only upgrade would be to change out the molded bridge for Mann Made solid brass (milled) bridge. I just don’t get why Paul went with the molded tremolo bridge. I have a CE plus 3 core PRS guitars. The CE is my everyday player.
It's a pretty substantial upgrade regarding the bridge. The Mann Made is miles better than the one that the CE comes with but outside of that it's really the best new priced PRS value wise to me as well.
it's hard to say and will depend whats comfortable to you. The Suhr Alt T and Class S with a humbucker in the bridge used are great shouts and can be found in the prices range of a new CE24 and NO corners are cut on those. I can't fully back Ibanez if only because I've never extensively tried one but one of their AZ's could fit the bill as well.
Had one in ruby red...never bonded with it. Just didn't like the "tone". I've got an S2 and a 245 SE that I like. Just couldn't justify the cost for the CE and how I felt about it. I've got a Yamaha 611 that I like better.
Was it one of the original ones or a recent model? I only ask because I remember many more Ruby colored original CE's than the newer line. The S2s are right there with build I like those a lot too, just feel they've gotten crazy with the new pricing.
I recently bought a Harley-Benton CST-24 with P90 pickups. Great for playing metal. It's definitely no PRS, but it's 10% of the price and perfect for my talent level. lol
The price hikes of $500-$700 in less than two years definitely gives me pause. I got mine brand new for $1576 last year, which is a grand less than new today. Really struggling to find the value in products these days :|
I paid $1700.00 for a CE-24 Sweetwater exclusive 18 months ago.
I’ve had mine almost a year and I can’t believe where it’s at in my lineup for guitars I play the most. Me and my tele are inseparable, but this has quickly become one of my favorites. Such an amazing guitar 👍
I'm still so happy you decided to take the plunge on it. I had a feeling it would fit you perfectly and I'm happy to see it has.
I have 5 PRS guitars, 3 core, 1 SE, and a CE 24. Love them all, but truly my CE 24 is the most bullet proof, stay in tune, retain intonation, and feels the best in my hands - you know what I mean…it’s the best value PRS offers.
I 100% agree, and knowing you can still get those for under $1500 in great shape used it's really hard to argue otherwise
The CE line is a nice compromise to the core level. The electronics upgrade make it worth it over the s2 versions. The flame maple tops are significantly better than the s2 line. If you want core level tremolo order a MannMade USA tremolo…the guy that created the original PRS tremolo system. You’ll thank me later. But at this new price point the argument of no hard case gets harder to justify, especially when lower fender levels come with great hard cases. At the very least PRS could include the gig bag that comes with the silver sky. It’s better padded and more sturdy.
I think the price should reflect the lack of a hard case. At the same time, they take up so much room, whether in your house or filling a car or van while gigging. Not to mention that you have to carry it like a suit case, whereas a high quality gig bag, (which is what comes with some American PRS's), I can hang in the closet, and wear on my back, while still being able to hold other things in my hand. It's a trade-off. If you aren't abusive to your instrument, a good gig bag is effective.
I think PRS is trying to give all the advantages of the guitar being made in their American factory, while cost cutting in areas that don't affect the playability of the guitar, like the bridge and tuners. The SE's are no slouch. You can always upgrade this later buying it used for much cheaper. I can imagine that there is so much cost with just running that business, between labor, tools, tool and building maintenance, rent, electricity, salaries for all employees, along with benefits, marketing, etc. I would be surprised if PRS is making $500-600 profit on a $2500 guitar.
I have a CE 24 now for 6 months. I LOVE this guitar, is so comfortable, and the pickups sounds amazing. I get that the tremolo and tuners as SE, but they work incredible, it stays in tune really good, and the american bridge only cost like $400, and i think about someday to make that upgrade that is not really necessary. But like you said, i bought mine at $1900, but at $2500 there's have to be an upgrade.
I just love that Dave's guitar shop sells them for 1400-1500 depending on the year. For me this guitar is absolutely unbeatable at that price. At 2500 we're looking right at used Core CU24s, and I'd be lying if I said I would consider the CE at that point but man, it's great.
I'm french .
In 2008 I bought a 2003 PRS CE 24. It's been my unique gigging guitare since. I don't play metal . A large part of the songs I play are in clean sound. Only 20 percent are in overdrive.
I'm quite satisfied with the neck width, thickness and profile. I like the jumbo frets, the pick ups.
It doesn't need truss rod adjstement between summer and winter.
The string length between Fender and Gibson is just fine for 10-46 strings.
The nut never squeezes the strings.
During my first set of songs in clean or slight crunch, I only use the neck humbucker and position 2. When I kick my overdrive pedal, the bridge humbucker and position 4 are excellent.
The volume and tone pots are very sensitive and offer a broad variety of tones from 1 to 10.
I would have prefered standard tuners instead of the weird PRS system, but they 're fine. The PRS rotating 5 positions switch requires a little time to get used to but never broke down.
The Les Paul -like jack socket really pisses me off but has never made a noise in my amps.
Great video, Jim. Since I got my PRS CE24 a year ago, I've barely touched my other guitars - it's just so nice to play.
It's hard to find much bad to say about it, the guitar really does so many things, and sounds great.
I love the simplicity of the controls, the great build construction and the neck. Most comfortable neck i've ever played. But I agree that value for money is not there, that why I bought mine used.
I know a few shops, specifically a well known NY shop that could use these videos to teach their sales people. You gave more information then anyone will get in store. Great job Jim!
Maybe I missed my calling, training videos 🤣
@@AudiomoMusic I’m serious, these videos would go a long way. It’s amazing how poorly trained some shops are.
I just ordered one of these yesterday. Thanks for your videos that helped me with the research and make a decision. I think I’m getting the exact same one with the whale blue finish.
Man, why aren't you getting more comments on your posts!!?? One thing I really appreciate is that you know your stuff. For some reason, I just can't atune myself to PRS guitars, even though I know how good they are. Perhaps they're just not vintage enough for me, in looks at least. Keep you - a - goin' as we say round these parts. 😊😊
Fantastic video as ever and couldn’t agree more. I couldn’t bond with it and wouldn’t pay the new price, especially sans hard case but it’s a fantastic quality and extremely playable guitar that’s great if you need or want to play multiple things but don’t have or want multiple guitars - so basically wholeheartedly agree with your video and advice on how to get one!
i agree the coil split for PRS is one of the best. Fender Blacktop Strat or Tele is another good option. Its my Gibder or Fenson. The price is a steal. if i change to the rosewood neck still affordable.
I wish I never sold my '96 CE22 gold top... I cannot find anything similar in that price range anymore! Never had the coil-split though and I don't miss the rotary pickup selector. For some reason absolutely did not get on with my CE24... just didnt feel right :/
I like this guitar
I have a semi-hollow. Love it. Had PRS mod it to have the two mini toggles like a 24-08 or Paul's guitar. Made a great guitar even better
I really like the 24-08 mod, I find it's very useful to use when composing which isn't always the case with electrical alterations. You got the everything axe for sure there!
I have a mexi fender strat HSS, and I'm trying to get a LP counterpart. I'm finding these used 2022 for 1499 ish. I'm going to try to get one with a case out the door around 1600. Fingers crossed.
It’s really a awesome instrument. I been playing mine since 2019. I also play a Les Paul. Which I absolutely love. But when it comes down to the CE. ( classic electric ) the thin body shallow carved maple top. And the pattern thin neck profile. It takes you to other musical places. 👍✌️
That's part of why I love these guitars - they do take you to other places musically and the best part is anywhere it takes your creativity the guitar is versatile enough to do it convincingly
Thats a really good point , if you had to divide the cost of several great guitars it would be more than that one. Keep them coming.
That's the fun part about them, they really do eliminate the need for other guitars in the long run. So yes, while expensive, if you purchase one of these used you could actually save compared to have 3-4 guitars that would do everything this can do, plus they are built to a very high standard on top!
I love my ce24!!
Question for you man, does yours have any neck dive? I have the semi-hollow version and it has a slight amount. Not enough to be annoying, but enough to be noticed. It's still one of my favorite guitars though :)
Nope, but I will say, the two Semi hollows I played did have a little bit to it so this isn't surprising to hear
Damn, wasn't aware these went up in price. That's kinda a shame to see. I almost wouldn't mind another one/a back up cuz I love mine so much. I guess pretty much everything has gone up tho. Mine unfortunately has a tiny chip on the finish but it's really not noticeable especially from a distance. I have a whale blue CE 24, it's basically the same color as his except slightly darker. It's honestly my prized possession. Highly recommend this as an alternative to the "core models"
I have an Original one.Replaced the PU to Godwood WRC.. GREAT WELL MADE GUITAR
I recently played one from the 90's, it felt much closer to a core than the current CEs, just pickup swap like you did and you're right there. AWESOME guitar
@@AudiomoMusic Right more solid and it was signed By Paul
My bandmate just got the semi ce24. It is fantastic.
I love the Semi version too, definitely a different flavor of a great instrument
The price jump is kind of ridiculous: pre-covid they were around $1799 new and now they're $2499. Used they show up on reverb for $1499, but I can't find a used one in red because either they didn't make a lot or people just aren't selling them
Actually completely agree with this, and the $2499 is outrageous for a guitar that still has import components with no hard shell case. Just keep refreshing Daves Guitar Shop, I saw a red one last week at that price there.
i have 3. the De CE 24 floyd, semi hallow and regular CE 24
I'd love to get one of the semi hollows, but man the DE CE is one mean looking guitar too!
I had a CE24 Se for a few months, and just couldn't bond with it, the pickups were not for me
and the neck made my hand ache in the same way as Fender necks do.
So it went, to be replaced with another Schecter, ohh the joys of a slim wide neck and far better
value.
PRS have joined the other top brands of increasing prices to the point that i refuse to pay them.
There are plenty of excellent better value guitars to choose from.
Don’t have to watch the video (no offense), just buy one. It’s the best PRS value on the market. US made and finished, outstanding guitar and components. The only upgrade would be to change out the molded bridge for Mann Made solid brass (milled) bridge. I just don’t get why Paul went with the molded tremolo bridge. I have a CE plus 3 core PRS guitars. The CE is my everyday player.
It's a pretty substantial upgrade regarding the bridge. The Mann Made is miles better than the one that the CE comes with but outside of that it's really the best new priced PRS value wise to me as well.
For the same price what guitar do you think is a better value than this one? I'm looking for a guitar that has the same versatility.
it's hard to say and will depend whats comfortable to you. The Suhr Alt T and Class S with a humbucker in the bridge used are great shouts and can be found in the prices range of a new CE24 and NO corners are cut on those. I can't fully back Ibanez if only because I've never extensively tried one but one of their AZ's could fit the bill as well.
It seems like when we are on Guitar Center
Just ordered mine for $1700. Does suck it doesn't come with a hard case.
It does, but a new one being a grand more at least you saved a significant amount and the guitar itself will be gerat
Had one in ruby red...never bonded with it. Just didn't like the "tone".
I've got an S2 and a 245 SE that I like. Just couldn't justify the cost for the CE and how I felt about it. I've got a Yamaha 611 that I like better.
Was it one of the original ones or a recent model? I only ask because I remember many more Ruby colored original CE's than the newer line. The S2s are right there with build I like those a lot too, just feel they've gotten crazy with the new pricing.
@@AudiomoMusic It was a 2021...got it last summer.
I'm poor. I could never afford the fancy one. The 800 is good enough for me.
Those aren't the SE tunners. The SE tunners are not locking. The CE tunners are the old generation core tunners. AFAIK.
Dave’s guitars does not have any used CEs
yeah that kinda happens, I've seen 4 this week but they are selling faster than normal probably becuase new ones have rocketed in price agian.
I don’t know. I’m a set neck kind of guy.
I don’t care about the hard shell case but import tuners is a bridge too far for me.
I recently bought a Harley-Benton CST-24 with P90 pickups. Great for playing metal. It's definitely no PRS, but it's 10% of the price and perfect for my talent level. lol
Way too much money for that guitar 😐